If running is no longer kind on your knees, and the gym always just feels a tad too far away, then it may be time to consider adding a piece of low-impact equipment to your home gym.
Over the past couple of years, home gyms have taken over the health space. Perhaps your girlfriend opted for the new Echelon exercise bike. Maybe your uncle chose a classic treadmill or your friend went for the trendy rower. Either way, they brought the gym to themselves.
If you’d rather use an exercise bike, treadmill, or rower, check out our various linked guides. But considering that you landed on this article, we have a feeling you’re looking for an elliptical machine.
It’s easy to see why you’d be interested in buying your own. After all, they provide a great full-body, cardio workout and can be as elaborate or simple as you (and your wallet) decide.
To help you find your ideal elliptical machine for your home gym, we consulted personal trainer Joao Martins and rounded up our Amazon favorites below. Happy striding!
Pros:
- 22 preset workout programs to choose from
- Eight heart rate controls and two fitness tests
- Quick start option
Cons:
- Some customers said their machine became more noisy after regular use
We love that this Schwinn Fitness elliptical features 22 preset workouts. You can even set a total of nine various profiles on the machine, so everyone in your home can take advantage of this next-level elliptical.
“One of the things that I like the most on this machine is the Goal Track capability that enables users to set individual exercise goals by tracking time, distance, and calories to compare with previous workouts,” explained Martins.
Dimensions: 70.1 x 28.2 x 63.2 inches | Stride length: 20 inches | Display: Dual Track 2 LCD displays | Number of resistance levels: 20
Pros:
- Oversized cushioned pedals
- SmartAdjust machine learning technology automatically adapts every workout to fit you
- Track calories, time, heartbeat,t, etc.
- Make goals and chase milestones
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors and requires detailed assembly
- More expensive
Fitness junkees love NordicTrack for a few reasons — you can take advantage of immersive workouts led by pro athletes and trainers around the globe. If you’re sick of taking charge of your own workouts, let the experts do it for you. With this smart machine, iFIT Trainers can control your incline and speed.
New York Post Review: “Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of treadmills for working out (I prefer heavier cardio options). However, I have found that NordicTrack’s treadmills offer enough features to make their workouts engaging and challenging,” shared Commerce Reporter, Miska Salemann. While I consider this more of a splurge treadmill, the personal training aspect makes it worthwhile.
Dimensions: 69 x 25 x 71 inches | Stride Length: 17.8-18.5 inches | Display: 7” Smart HD Touchscreen | Number of resistance levels: 15
Pros:
- Combines an elliptical and a stepper
- Offers two different workout programs
- Slip footprint compared to some other machines
Cons:
- Not very high-tech per reviews (dial for force)
While this isn’t the most high-tech option on our list, The Bowflex Max Trainer Series redefines home fitness with its compact design and an efficient 14-minute workout. Combining the motions of an elliptical and stepper, it maximizes calorie burn while minimizing impact, making it ideal for high-intensity interval training. For someone who wants the best of both worlds (and workouts), it’s an intelligent investment.
Dimensions: 67.3 x 24.6 x 66.6 inches | Stride length: 19 inches | Display: High-contrast multi-color LCD | Number of resistance levels: 18
Pros:
- Very quiet resistance
- Access to iFit trainers and classes
- Oversized pedals
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Takes up more space than some compact machines
Work on your form with ProForm. This brand is among the best in the workout machine market, and the Carbon EL is a testament to its fine craftsmanship. Tailor your experience and access over 10,000 workouts around the world, smart features for a personalized experience, on top of coaching by expert iFIT Trainers. Near silent resistance means you can enjoy your workouts without distraction. Oversized pedals accommodate a variety of foot sizes, for a comfortable, and supportive workout.
Dimensions: 49 x 26 x 64.7 inches | Stride length: 15 inches | Display: Backlit LCD console | Number of resistance levels: 8
Pros:
- 90% pre-assembled
- Very quiet
- lifelong service promise
Cons:
- Some reviewers saw this elliptical has a smaller range of motion — better for shorter people
You can’t go wrong with the highly rated Niceday elliptical machine. Being that it’s already 90% assembled, you can get riding in just 30 minutes of product arrival. Best of all, it’s hyper-quiet, so you don’t have to worry about loud, disturbing noise.
“Really easy to assemble, and the pedals are one of the highlights of this machine, being very large and comfortable,” shared Martins.
Dimensions: 44 x 26 x 17.25 inches | Stride length: 15.5 inches | Display: HD LCD Displayer with Exactly Data | Number of resistance levels: 16
Pros:
- Can track goals
- 22 preset workout programs
- Very stable to jog on
Cons:
- Very heavy, difficult to move without help
As far as heavy-duty elliptical machines go, the Life Fitness Platinum Club Series is one of the best builds available. This commercial-quality design offers 22 preset workout programs, for endless options and intensities. Seamless goal tracking allows users to personalize their workout programs, and the DualTrack 2 LCD screen displays offer increased visibility for an easy experience.
New York Post Review: “I’ve worked out on Life Fitness ellipticals in a few different gyms, and it’s always been a dream to jog on. These machines are definitely on the bigger side, making for a very balanced, and supportive elliptical experience. There are many workouts to choose from, and a large screen makes it easy to navigate all the different features.”
Dimensions: 88.1 x 30.7 x 65 inches | Stride length: 20 inches | Display: 1080p HD touchscreen | Number of resistance levels: 25
Pros:
- Track time, speed, calories, and distance
- Portable and non-slip foot pedals
- Budget-friendly
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Some reviewers said the machine slides and works better when placed against a wall
- Some expressed resistance levels were heavier than expected
Another great under-the-desk option is the Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical. Featuring a portable design, it’s fully assembled, includes a floor stabilizer, and was made with a space-saving design in mind.
“I am a very big fan of anything that can fight the sedentarism and the work schedule obstacle when it comes to exercise,” explained Martins. “This simple elliptical can make significant changes in busy people’s lives. It fits comfortably under most desks, offering the flexibility to exercise in various environments, integrating fitness into your daily routine seamlessly. It arrives fully assembled, letting you started as soon as you take it out of the box.”
Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 11 inches | Stride length: 7 Inches | Display: Digital monitor | Number of resistance levels: 8
Pros:
- Tracks calories burned, strides pedaled, distance traveled, and more
- Budget-friendly
- Very compact — saves space
- Straightforward assembly
Cons:
- Less of a strenuous workout than some other machines
Maybe you can’t leave your desk on a busy day. If that’s the case, opt for the Cubii seated elliptical. It makes incorporating fitness into your daily life a breeze and is easily portable.
People say that this small machine has upgraded their fitness game, monumentally: “It has absolutely changed my life at work (front office assistant tethered to a desk for 10-hour shifts) and helps me burn an average of 800 more calories a day than before I started using this product.”
Dimensions: 24.6 x 12.8 x 12.5 inches | Stride Length: 18 Inches | Display: LCD display | Number of resistance levels: 8
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Set, track, and monitor progress with app-based tools
- 50 plus global routes and 29 workout programs
- Adjustable ramp
Cons:
- Some reviewers shared that resistance was heavier than expected
Much smaller than most ellipticals is this Schwinn Fitness compact machine. Beyond the compact size, you can also look forward to a built-in media rack and water bottle holder. Shoppers also appreciate the smooth motion and quiet construction.
“It’s very quiet, well constructed, and offers about as much resistance as larger gym ellipticals yet also has a very smooth action (both when using forward and backward motion),” one reviewer shared.
Dimensions: 28.2 x 63.2 x 70.1 inches | Stride length: 20 inches | Display: DualTrack blue backlit LCD system | Number of resistance levels: 25
Pros:
- Joint-friendly design
- High-density foam handlebars
- Nonskid foot platforms
Cons:
- 250lb weight limit
- Not as challenging of a workout
While not a traditional elliptical, a joint-friendly glider provides the ideal blend of cardio and strength training in one workout. This machine engages both upper and lower body muscle groups without putting pressure on the knees. Customers describe it as “smooth and enjoyable” and some say they have lost weight, too.
Dimensions: 43 x 28 x 53.75 inches | Stride length: 18 inches | Display: Basic fitness computer | Number of resistance levels: hydrolic resistance cylinders
Best Elliptical Machines FAQs
For answers to some frequently asked questions and expert recommendations, the shopping team spoke with Joao Martins, a NASM-certified personal trainer at Equinox.
What is an Elliptical Machine?
“An elliptical Trainer is a stationary cardio machine where you can walk and run without causing excessive pressure on the joints. Nowadays, most of the Elliptical Trainers come with customized programs where the members can choose from according to their physical condition level and goals,” explained Martins.
Are home ellipticals worth it?
Martins believes that elliptical machines are great options for those with knee, hip, or shoulder injuries because users can walk and run without causing excessive pressure on the joints. “Doing low-intensity or moderate-intensity elliptical workout every day can have a positive effect on hypertension,” suggested Martins. “However, you must consult your doctor if you are taking medicines for hypertension.”
Do ellipticals burn belly fat?
Traditional ellipticals provide an excellent full-body workout, engaging both the upper and lower body. “The synchronized movements of the arms and legs promote efficient calorie burning and cardiovascular conditioning too,” Martins explained. For people who want to lose fat, as well as tone and define, Martins recommends using the elliptical two to three times a week.
How often should you use an Elliptical machine?
“As with any cardio machine, it depends on everybody’s goals,” said Martins. “People that are working out to run a marathon, and want to have a change from a treadmill and want to keep working on their cardio, I would say six times a week.”
Martins noted that spending 20 to 30 minutes on the elliptical will help increase the heart rate, which helps strengthen the heart muscles.
Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which is better?
A treadmill machine is designed to provide a foundation for walking or running. Treadmills are great options for individual who are looking to get in their miles with some higher-intensity cardio workouts. Those training for marathons or other races may also opt for a treadmill to maintain their training schedules, rain or shine.
Elliptical machines are stationary workout machines, in which users place their feet on gliding footpads that stimulate the feeling of jogging or running without as much impact or strain. Ellipticals are ideal for people who are looking for more support while jogging, or others who may suffer from joint pain or are recovering from an injury.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
